Steel Detailing Technician Certificate (formerly Drafting)

Working in the steel construction industry, steel detailers work with engineers and architects to draw the essential assets to infrastructures such as roads, bridges, schools, stadiums, commercial and high-rise buildings. Drawings for steel-framed structures divide the structure into components that can be transported from the fabrication plant for assembly at the construction site. Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) are being increasingly used to create these drawings for steel fabrication companies, and within steel detailing offices. Through project-based learning, students will become proficient in the latest CAD and BIM software, and the industry standards for steel detailing.

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.

After you apply, you can check application status to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

This is one of the five drafting programs available at VCC. In the first two months, students learn concepts, techniques and accepted practices in the drafting industry. Students learn computer-aided drafting and are introduced to specialty areas of drafting.

In the final eight months of the program graduates of this program will have developed the drafting and 3D modeling skills which will enable them to enter the workforce in many areas as team members principally in structural steel fabrication companies, miscellaneous metals fabrication companies, and steel detailing offices. Graduates will be prepared to work on a wide variety of structures in North America, including schools, sports stadia, bridges, commercial buildings and high-rise offices.

Upon completion of the initial 10 month Steel Detailing Technician Certificate, a VCC diploma may be earned by completing a second drafting specialty (terms 2 & 3, 8 months training) in either Civil/Structural or Architectural.

For further information about this program, please call Tim Conklin, Program Assistant, at 604.871.7000, ext. 8320 or email tconklin@vcc.ca.

• Applicants who do not meet the English language requirement may be admitted at the discretion of the Department • Applicants who have met all the above requirements and have completed high school Drafting 11 and 12 may, with Departmental approval, apply for direct entry into Level 2 of the program.

For assistance with meeting the entrance requirements, please contact Advising Services to schedule an appointment with an Advisor.

VCC CAD Citation graduates may insert into level 2 of the program.

Recommended Characteristics:

High school drafting and physics courses, or other related work experience is an asset

Excellent English communication skills

Working knowledge of Windows OS

General good health, good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity

Good mathematical and mechanical comprehension

Successful work habits and an ability to work well with others

Logical reasoning and an ability to visualize objects

An interest in all aspects of architecture, general construction and related fields

At the time of acceptance, a $300 non-refundable deposit will be required to hold your seat if accepted more than two months before the start date of the program. Full payment of the first installment will be required within two months before the start date.

Fees are approximate and subject to change without notice. Students are responsible for any increase in fees if advanced payments are made. The application fee is non-refundable. Fees are refunded according to the refund policy. For further clarification, see withdrawals and refunds information page.